Hounds rally for victory at St. Mary’s

November 3, 2008

CNJ staff

SAN ANTONIO — Goals by senior defender Michael James and junior forward Jerry Varpilah less than 2 1/2 minutes apart midway through the second half rallied the Eastern New Mexico University men’s soccer team to a 2-1 non-conference victory over St. Mary’s on Sunday.

The Rattlers (5-11), who beat ENMU 1-0 in Portales in early October, broke a scoreless tie about 10 minutes into the second half on a goal by freshman Daniel Kelley. Then, in the 64th minute, ENMU’s Jacob Ford sent a corner kick to Dreaux Plair, who passed it to James for his fourth goal of the season.

Later, Greyhounds goalkeeper Grant Shanahan took advantage of a breeze at his back to punt the ball about 80 yards downfield to Varpilah, who sent it past Rattlers keeper Jayson Horn for the game-winner.

ENMU’s defense limited the Rattlers to two shots on goal.

The Hounds (6-8-2) finish their season this week with Southwest Soccer Conference matches at West Texas A&M on Wednesday and at home against Midwestern State on Friday.